On September 12, 2013, the Congressional MS Caucus and the National MS Society are sponsoring a congressional briefing focused on Progressive MS. Click here to download the invitation (pdf). Please ask your Senators and Representatives to attend. We will be sending the invitation out electronically in the next few days to all members of the House and Senate, but the personal touch of a constituent asking can make a difference!

The National MS Society is pleased to announce that New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has been named the 2012 Governor of the Year.

Building on his reputation of helping New Jersey families, Governor Chris Christie signed the Multiple Sclerosis Task Force bill into law in 2012 to help address the unmet needs and challenges of more than 14,000 citizens with MS. Additionally, Governor Christie and his Administration sought approval from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to ensure access to prescription medications to uninsured residents affected by Hurricane Sandy through its Emergency Prescription Assistance Program.

“Multiple sclerosis affects thousands of New Jerseyans and many more Americans across the country, as well as their families,” said Governor Christie. “Through proactive legislation and Employment First opportunities, my Administration is committed to addressing the needs and improving the quality of life for residents living with MS. I am deeply honored to be recognized by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, whose tireless efforts to draw attention to the needs of individuals affected by MS inspire us all to continue to advocate for these brave individuals and their families.”

Governor Christie has also shown his commitment to the full realization of the Americans with Disabilities Act when he signed a bill allowing students with disabilities to bring their service animals to school and participating in Employment First, a program to enhance employment opportunities for the disabled.

“Governor Chris Christie is a strong advocate in New Jersey and amongst governors across the country on behalf of people with disabilities and everyone impacted by MS,” National MS Society President and CEO Cyndi Zagieboylo said. “We’re proud to name him 2012 Governor the Year for signing the Multiple Sclerosis Task Force Bill into law and his leadership during Hurricane Sandy to help uninsured residents receive the prescription drugs in a time of need.”

Visit our website for more information about the National MS Society, our work in government affairs and advocacy, and how you can get involved.

The National MS Society is holding its annual Public Policy Conference March 4-6, 2013. Hundreds of volunteer activists and chapter staff will head to the hill on March 6 to urge our elected officials to preserve crucial funding for the National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration, the CDMRP (Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program) and support for MS Awareness Week and the MS Caucus.

Each year in March, hundreds of volunteer activists and staff from across the country gather in Washington, DC to attend the National MS Society’s Public Policy Conference. The Conference, which takes place March 4-6, is the largest gathering of MS activists. Volunteers and staff learn about the National MS Society’s federal legislative priorities at educational sessions, learn about government relations and meet other activists from across the country.

On Wednesday, March 6, we storm the hill, taking our message to our federal elected officials. Last year, we boldy asked for more MS research money for the National Institute of Health and the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program and we asked our elected officials to provide more support for caregivers.

Sound exciting? You could be the next activist selected to join us in DC. Simply submit your essay for consideration. Click here for a copy of the essay guidelines and questions.